Review: MAC Matchmaster Foundation

Hi guys,

I have a new love that I want to share with you today. It's the MAC Matchmaster foundation with SPF 15. I can't describe how much I've enjoyed this product the last two and a half weeks.

Back during spring break, I found myself at odds with my current face routine. I wanted more coverage than a CC cream, but I also didn't want to upset my skin, which has been incredibly oily, dry, and sensitive lately. So I went to the one place that always seems to have things that I trust: MAC. Say what you will about MAC, but for me personally, when all else fails, MAC makeup never lets me down. The makeup artist tried this foundation on me and since I've fallen in love. I'm in the shade 1.5 and I can't get enough of it.

According to the MAC site, this foundation uses "Shade Intelligence Technology" to perfectly match to your skin. The makeup artist told me that if I get a little bit darker during the summer, this will adjust just slightly to my darker skin. This foundation is also:

• Demi-matte
• Buildable medium coverage
• Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15
• Reduces Shin on the skin's surface
• Absorbs excess oil
• Conditions and smoothes
• Minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections

After using this for almost three weeks, I feel like I can say that it definitely seems to do all those things. It definitely absorbs oil and reduces shine, even during warmer days. I don't think it's really caused any breakouts, which is great because my skin has been super picky lately.

It gives me a "your skin, but a million times better" appearance. Like, it looks like I'm seriously not wearing any makeup. I say it gives me a solid 8-10 hours of wear.

I've been using this in conjunction with my Smashbox Photo Finish Light primer, MAC's Studio Careblend powder, and Urban Decay's Deslick Spray. I apply it with my Beauty Blender and it just blends in so beautifully. I love this stuff like crazy. I'm actually surprised that I haven't heard more people talking about how great this foundation is. It's the best face product I think I've ever used.

I'm hoping it works well in summer too. Do you have a foundation love or a brand that always seems to work?

Spring MAC Haul/First Impressions

Hey guys!

There's no doubt that I love MAC makeup. It was the first high-end makeup that I dabbled in, and I still continue to find that the brand as a whole is great quality and (when compared with other high-end brands like NARS) relatively affordable.

I've been struggling with my face makeup recently. I love the It Cosmetics CC Cream, but I find myself wanting more coverage and something that holds up better with oily skin.

I thought about trying out the Amazonian Clay Tarte foundation, but found myself just wanting to try something really different. Enter the MAC store. I really like the MAC counter that's here in my hometown, but I truly love going to the full-fledged store about an hour away.

Anyway, in the store I received great customer service and walked away spending about $70 more than I was originally planning on, but overall I think I picked up some great stuff.

I picked up five things at the store, four face products and one eyeshadow!

Cork Eyeshadow

Over the past year or so, I've collected enough products to finally exchange for the Back-to-MAC program (which I view like an incentive program). I knew that for my free eyeshadow, I wanted a nice brown color that would look great with my NARS Alhambra duo and this shade is perfect! I can't believe I didn't own Cork before now.

Select Cover-Up Concealer

I've been using the Make Up Forever Full Cover concealer, but when the makeup artist used this on me, I could truly see how much better this is. I love it so far. It looks amazing under my eyes (conceals all signs of dark circles without getting cakey or making my face oily) and is great on blemishes and redness on the rest of my face. It's thicker and creamier than the MUF version. The MAC website says that this concealer blends in to be invisible and I must agree, I don't even notice it on my face. In case you are wondering, I was matched to NW25.

Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

I'm gonna be honest and say that before I purchased this powder, I had never heard of it. When I asked the makeup artist about a new setting powder, I thought for sure she'd lead me to another Mineralized Skinfinish Natural (which I loved), however, she recommended this one because she said it's great for sensitive skin, blots up oily perfectly, adds little coverage, so no need to worry about a cakey look. So I can use it all day to touch up any oiliness that might appear. Plus, after using it a couple of times, it feels so amazing! I love this stuff. It takes away any shine or oil, but still gives my face a glowy look. (By the way, I'm in the shade Light Plus).

Matchmaster Foundation

Knowing that I was curious about MAC foundations, I did some research before I went into the store and discovered this guy. I thought it sounded promising, but I wanted to see what the MUA would suggest. After telling her that I was interested in a medium-full coverage foundation that would last through-out the day and not make me oily, she brought this one to me. Guys, I've only worn this stuff three days now, but I love it. A lot. I've faced absolutely no problems with oiliness, it looks great and glowing on my face, and literally feels like I'm not wearing anything. But it covers up my redness while still not looking cakey. It's amazing. Plus, it has lasted 8-10 hours just as promised. If you have oily skin, you need to check this stuff out. It has SPF 15 and I'm in the shade 1.5.

Powder Blush in Peachykeen

After having the MUA also apply this to my cheeks, I couldn't help but get it too. It looks so pretty for spring and I think it looks really good with my green eyes. The site describes it as a baby peach with a little shimmer and I'd have to agree. It's natural and perfect for spring.

I'll give updates and do full reviews on some of these products, but I just have to say, that when it comes down to it, I'm always impressed with MAC.

What spring things are you picking up?

Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner or MAC's Technakohl

Over the course of the last couple of months I've been testing out a new eyeliner: Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner in Perversion. If you are at all familiar with the eyeliner world, Urban Decay's 24/7 Liner is pretty much everyone's holy grail.

 

Now if you are familiar with my blog, you know that I completely adore MAC's Techankohl eyeliner in Graphblack. It was the first black eyeliner I've ever used consistently, and obviously, the first high-end eyeliner I've ever used. I could go on and on about how amazing this eyeliner has been for me over the course of the last year and a half.

But I was beyond curious to see what all the hype over the 24/7 Liner was.


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Here are my thoughts on the Urban Decay pencil:

It's super creamy, super black, and goes on effortlessly. I've said in the past how impressed I was with the Technakohl liner being so effortless. The 24/7 Liner is easily the most effortless eyeliner I'll probably ever use. It's so black and pigmented, I literally can't explain it. It's the most dramatic black you can think of. I once that the MAC Graphblack was black, but it's a much softer, grayer black in comparison (both are good, it just depends on what look you are going for).

So while I was majorly impressed with the depth of color, ease of use, ability to get both a precise and soft line, there were some major drawbacks to the 24/7 Liner. One of the biggest problems: the fact it needs sharpening. I didn't know my hatred for sharpening eyeliner until it flaked off and stained a favorite shirt of mine. That was beyond annoying, let me tell you. I also realized that the staying power was not my favorite. I had my hopes up because I swatched it on my hand and it stayed on...even after a shower! That's impressive! But on my eyes, it would somehow wind up all below my eyes, my nose, my inner corner...everywhere. I don't touch my eyes. It was August and September when I was wearing it, so it was hot. But if an eyeliner can't hold up to August heat, I don't think it deserves a place in my makeup routine...especially if it's $19.

Oh and another really annoying problem with this eyeliner? It would somehow find a way to get stuck in my lashes, and then when I'd go to curl them, it would rip them out. Yet another huge downside of a super creamy formula.

In case you are wondering, I eventually got so fed up with dark black goop being all over my face, that I switched back to my deeply loved MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack. Yes, it's not as black as the Perversion liner (the only thing that the Urban Decay kind had over my MAC favorite). But it's easier to layer on. I don't have to be as careful. My eyes can be as watery and sweaty as they like, and still have the eyeliner on at the end of a 12 hour day. It's easy to remove with a good makeup wipe, it doesn't rip out my eyelashes, and my favorite thing, it doesn't need sharpening. Plus, it's $16 and part of the Back to MAC program.

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I know that a lot of people would disagree with me, and maybe testing it in the hotter, more humid parts of summer wasn't so smart, but now I can't imagine not using my Technakohl liner.

I do plan in the future to try the NARS eyeliner that's in the mechanical pencil form. Also, feel free to recommend your favorites!
 

Summer Park Meadows Haul

Hey everyone!

My summer school classes finally wrapped up, but I’ve been super busy getting my life together and starting summer in between. But I did manage to sneak in some time and visit a dear friend and do some major shopping recently.

Pretty much all the stores I bought stuff from are ones that I only get to visit a couple times a year, if that. I seriously wish I lived closer to these (maybe it’s a good thing though?). Anyway, let's take a look at some of the fun things I got!

 

 

My friend and I went to the Vera Bradley pajama party launch, and the first 50 or so guests got a free reusable shopping bag! So that was fun to get! I also picked up the set of three cosmetic bags in Summer Cottage. It was 40% off and I really couldn't help it! I think the set of three cosmetic bags are not only cute, but super practical for traveling and makeup storage! Plus the colors are perfect for the 4th of July! (I adore the little daisies on them as well!)

I also shopped around at Lush a little. I had been in Lush only once before, and after sniffing around, I wasn't really impressed. But I decided to try out some products at the recommendations of the salesgirls there. I picked up American Cream Conditioner, Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, and Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face mask. So far I've tried all these products out and I'd say I liked them pretty well for a first impression!
 

Then I went to Urban Outfitters and picked up a couple more of the BDG V-neck tees. I love the prints on them and I think they are so cute for summer! Both have floral prints and I can't wait to wear them.

And inside Forever 21 I picked up a brush I was eyeing a while back in my monthly lusts post and a little bow necklace that was only $1.80. I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I absolutely hate shopping in the store at Forever 21. I get way too overwhelmed with everything there.



 

Finally what's a trip to the mall without stopping to look at some makeup at MAC and Sephora? At Sephora I decided to finally invest in a nice bronzer (Tarte's Park Avenue Princess) and I got decided I wanted to try Tarte's blushes then many people rave about them. The makeup artist suggest I try Dazzled (which is described as a soft rose/kind of plum shade). So far I really liked both!

I also stopped by the MAC store and picked up another Technakohl eyeliner, which I'm almost out of. I also picked up a couple of eyeshadows in Jest(the one on left and wedge, the one on the right). So I'm excited to try those out!

So overall it was a fun trip and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

May Favorites

 

Hi guys!

It’s that time again for my monthly favorites!  



 

EssieCome Here, Essie's First Timer, S Factor Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner, Summertime S'mores Candle, MAC Studio Fix Powder, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh rollerball, True Blue Spa Shea CashmereHand Cream, Urban Decay De-Slick, MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul, Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Essie's Come Here

This is part of the new Resort collection (along with First Timer below) and this is pretty much my new nail polish obsession. This was actually the color that I wasn't going to get. I knew I wanted First Timer and In the Cab-ana, but this color was one I went back and forth on. I'm so glad I picked it up though, because it's the most gorgeous coral-red color I've ever worn! You know when you are wearing nail polish and you keep admiring your nails? Yeah, that was me with Come Here. 

Essie's First Timer

So I was on the search for the Resort Collection just because of this color. I'm currently in love with mints and turquoises and this looked absolutely perfect. However, nowhere had it! I went to 3 Ultas in three different cities (Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs), and they were sold out. Targets weren't carrying them (at the time, now of course they have them). But one day when I was across town, I spotted a Walgreens I don't normally go to and thought I'd take a look. They had it! I was so happy! And thankfully after all that searching, this color was perfect! I love it and think it's the perfect color for spring and summer time. 

S Factor Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Guys, I have a new favorite shampoo and conditioner! I love this stuff so much! First of all, it smells amazing! Like strawberries or some sort of really sweet amazing fruit! It's literally the best smelling shampoo and conditioner I've ever smelled. Besides the amazing smell, it makes my hair super smooth and silky, which is awesome for summer and whenever I want to wear my hair straight. I'm so in love with this. Unfortunately it pretty much costs an arm and a leg, but at Ulta you can get this buy 2 get 1 free, so I also got the smoothing lusterizer too, which is also amazing when it comes to easing away freeze and making my hair extra smooth. I'm so in love with this!

Bath and Body Works Summertime S'mores Candle

I love the new summer candle line from Bath and Body Works (Watermelon lemonade and Strawberry Picnic are amazing!), but this candle is definitely my favorite! I love Marshmallow Fireside, a candle that usually appears in the fall, so it was nice to get my  hands on this to enjoy earlier in the summer. It smells so sweet and amazing!

MAC Studio Fix Powder

So I found my go to summer face product! I had been using the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, but I wanted a little heavier coverage. Plus my skin has been majorly oily lately so I wanted to try this out. I love it! In combination with my Urban Decay De-Slick spray, this gives me fantastic coverage, stays all day long. Even without touchups! I love it! It hasn't broken me out either, which is awesome! I know people aren't always huge fans of powder foundation, but I think if you have oily skin, it's a summer must!

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black 

As I reviewed previously, this is my current mascara favorite. I love how full, voluminous, and defined it makes my lashes. I also love how it builds effortlessly and quickly too. No clumps or goopiness either, which is even better. I can definitely see this becoming a go-to mascara in my collection for a long time. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Rollerball

It was like Christmas the other day. I was unpacking my perfume and when I went to remove my bottle of Daisy perfume, I found two rollerballs and a lotion! I knew that I got a big set for my birthday, but I had forgotten all that I got a rollerball in Daisy Eau So Fresh, a perfume that I have been lusting over lately! It was the best discovery ever! I love this scent a lot. It's lighter, fresher, and I think even more floral-y than the original Daisy and so perfect for spring and summer!

Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Hand Cream

My hands have been ridiculously dry lately and it seems like I have tried every lotion out there and nothing changes. So I went to the old standby Shea Cashmere line that I love at Bath and Body Works. I love the scent of this line and seriously, it's the only lotion I can stand because it doesn't feel oily or heavy at all. I bought the little mini travel size, but I'll probably be running out to buy the full size body lotion soon.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray

I absolutely love this stuff! I recently wrote a first impressions post about De-Slick and raved about it. It has worked wonders for my oily skin and my makeup, as well as for my new favorite powder from MAC. I honestly didn't believe in makeup setting sprays before trying this, but I love it! I've even already repurchased one for when I run out!


MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

This is my first MAC blush and I'm very impressed. Not only is the color absolutely beautiful and perfect for summer, but it's also extremely long-lasting. I think it's the perfect summer blush color!

Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I've been really loving these little pads to remove my eye makeup. They are great at removing every inch of mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, without making my eyes burn or water. That's a huge thing, let me tell you! Seriously, you should try these!

Check out my May Lusts and my April Favorites too!
 

 

My Everyday Makeup Bag

Hey guys!

It’s been awhile since I showed what makeup I wear every day, so I thought that it would be fun to take a look at it. I think the organization of your everyday makeup is one of the most important things you can do. Because I separate it from the rest of my makeup, I spend less time rifling around things I'm not going to use.

We'll start with just an overview of how I store it. Since I'm going to summer school, it's currently working best for me to leave my makeup on top of my printer on my desk. I keep my most used makeup brushes in a little candle holder I bought on a recent trip to Ikea (isn't it cute?). I keep my makeup in a medium size Vera Bradley makeup bag (this one in is Deco Daisy, which matches my room's color scheme). And I keep a couple of products beside it because they don't fit in my bag.

 

Let's move on to the overview of my makeup:

Left to Right: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, NARS Eyeshadow Primer, MAC Paint Pot, Maybelline Great Lash, Maybelline Define a Brow, MAC Technakohl Eyeliner, Tarte Eyelash Curler, MAC Studio Fix powder, MAC Warm Soul, Urban Decay De Slick, Urban Decay Naked Basics, Maybelline Colossal Cat Eyes, L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions, Covergirl Clump Crusher

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

My newest mascara obsession, this has the been the mascara I've worn solely of late. I really like how black it is, as well as how easily it applies. It definitely is worth the hype, and I'm totally loving so far!

NARS Eyeshadow Primer

I've been using this for the past six months and really don't have any complaints. I think in combination with my beloved MAC paint pot in Painterly, it helps my shadows stay on all day, true to color. When I run out of this, I'm tempted to try a different brand just to experiment.

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

I love love love this eyeshadow base. It helps my shadows stay on and creates a neutral, even base for them. I seriously have no clue what I would do without this base. I've had it over a year now, but I'm pretty sure that here soon this summer I'm gonna have to purchase a new one since this one is used every single day. I can't say enough great things about this product.

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

I love this clear mascara for my eyebrows. It locks them into place all day, without adding any unnatural color. Plus it's super cheap!

Maybelline Define a Brow Pencil

My Revlon Brow Fantasy (one I've been using since last July), finally was retired, so I picked up this little brow pencil this month. So far so good, although I don't think the staying power is that of the Revlon pencil in the Brow Fantasy. What I do like though, is the fact this combs with a tiny comb attached at the end, and is super thin and tiny, making it really hard to over do your brows.

MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack

This is my holy grail eyeliner. I can't say enough amazing things about it, besides that I love it and I plan to repurchase over and over and over. It's a dark black, that stays all day long. It doesn't need sharpening and it maintains it's dark richness all day long!

Tarte Eyelash Curler

My current curler, this guy is working really well for me. Plus it's cute, which always helps. Curling my lashes always opens up my eyes and helps make my lashes as dramatic as possible.

MAC Studio Fix Powder

This is a new product that I bought earlier this month. I love it! I wanted to up my coverage (this is a medium to full coverage powder foundation), without having to go the liquid route because my skin is obnoxiously oily during the warmer months. This has fit the bill. I'm sure I'll be gushing about this during my May favorites.

MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

I also picked this up when I bought my Studio Fix powder. It's literally the perfect summer glow. It has fantastic staying power, provides a really nice natural glow, and is pretty pigmented. (If you want a drugstore dupe, the Milani baked blush in Luminoso is super similar and is about $15 cheaper)

Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray

Gosh, I love this spray so much! It has replaced all my primers and has made my experience with the Studio Fix powder amazing! So many reviews online talk about that powder being too cakey and unnatural. Well, with this setting spray, it comes out amazing and oil free every single time! This is quickly becoming a holy grail type product for me. It has made me not hate hot or humid days (as much...). This is just the travel size.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I'm pretty sure I've worn this palette every single day but one this month. Seriously, it's my new obsession with eyeshadow. I love how this produces a natural, pretty eye all in one little palette. I definitely say this is a must have of mine. Lately, I've been wearing Venus all over my lid, Naked 2 in my crease and blended upward, Faint defining the outer part of my crease, and Foxy as a brow highlight. Basically though, I've used the five lighter colors so much this month!

Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara

As you can tell, I love mascara. When I curl my lashes and they decided they don't want to cooperate and want to run amok all over the place, this is the mascara I turn to. It's the least particular out of all my mascaras and turn any lashes into dramatic, pretty ones. I love the wand on this guy. It's the wettest formula in my opinion of all the mascaras posted. I've repurchased this before and I definitely will in the future.

L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions

My favorite lengthening mascara, this defines my lashes beautifully with it's tiny little brush. This is a mascara I have to definitely not overpower. I think it's best applied slowly and lightly, building patiently. If you try to overpower it, it will just resist because the brush is so flexible.

Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara

My second favorite mascara at the moment (the Voluminous Carbon Black is currently dominating), this mascara does it all. My only complaint: it seems too dry at times.

So there you have it! Those are the products that I use on a daily basis! What are your go to favorites for everyday? Do you do a full face? Just mascara?

 



 

Spring Haul!

Hi everyone!

A few days ago I went shopping and picked up some fun spring things that I would like to share with you! I don’t know about you, but I love shopping when the weather is nice. It just has such a happy feeling to it!

The first thing I picked up at my college's bookstore. I'd been eyeing these guys since they came out awhile back, but I couldn't justify spending the $11 on highlighters. However, this week I dediced I needed some nice spring highlighters, so I went for it. I absolutly love the ones in Go Wild, Jazzy Blooms, and Midnight Blues!

Later, I went to Victoria's Secret, which is always a huge downfall for me. I love that place so much. Recently, I heard some beauty guru talking about Vanilla Lace, which is a scent that I used to wear like back in early high school. Deciding that I wanted to try out something new, I bought the shower gel in it. What I didn't realize until I bought it, is that is smells so much like Vanilla Bean Noel from Bath and Body Works! Maybe that's why I liked it? But as I've mentioned before, I'm loving sweet smells,. and this is totally perfect! Plus, is it just me, or does Victoria's Secret shower gels leave a stronger scent behind that BBW?

 

Also at Victoria's Secret, I decided to buy a couple more of my favorite things in the entire world: their V-neck t-shirts. I love love love these guys. Not only are they super soft and comfy, but they always come in great colors (brights, neons, pale blushes, and essential colors like black). I can't say enough great things about them. I love layering them under a cardi and with a scarf, for a simple cute outfit. I'd been wanting a black one really bad, so I picked up that and since they are 2 for $30 (hopefully it bothers other people that two months ago these were 2 for $28 like it does me), I also got a pretty mint green one. Both are perfect for spring! 

 

And since Bath and Body Works was next door, I couldn't stop myself. The first thing I saw when I walked in was this adorable plug in for Wallflowers. Seriously, how cute is this guy? Now I know it's probably meant to be daisies, but I told myself they are daffodils (which are my favorite flower), so that meant I had to get it for my room at school to ring in spring. Seriously, see that bow? And the yellow? So cute.

 

Also while I was there, I was totally sucked into the 2 for $22 candle sale. My logic was that at home for spring break I'd want some nice fresh, spring smells for my room. So I picked up First Bloom, which has the cutest packaging ever, I might add. It's description says, "This fragrant blend of peony, apple blossom, and plumeria captures the essence of the very first blooms of the season." It is one of the true spring smells for me (next to lilac, which is my all time favorite. I'd say the description is pretty much what it smells like: very flowery, kinda perfume-y, and I can must definitely smell the apple in there. I'm a sucker also for floral scents, especially roses, which this is kinda like.

The second candle I got was of course, Frosted Cupcake. I've been obsessed with cupcakes, and I thought I should invest in a candle to make my room smell like one. The description says, "A true food-lover's deligh-fresh vanilla been, sugar, cake batter, and rich buttercream frosting mix it up and create an irresistable scent." It smells truly like the best bakery ever. I love it!

 

What's funny, is the reason I actually went shopping in the first place was this dress. See, a couple weeks ago when I was in Dallas for my sorority's District Day, I tried this on at a Macy's for fun. I loved the color, the lace, and how it fit, but I wasn't completely sold. Fast forward two weeks, and I wanted it bad (mostly because I had pointed it out to my boyfriend who said it would look beautiful on me, and then I decided I needed it). So thankfully the Macy's closest to me had it still in my size, so I did it. It's the perfect spring dress. I just picture it looking lovely with wavy curls in my hair and my riding boots (or maybe my gold flip flops depdending on the weather and whether my toes are painted it or haha). I have an obsession with lace dresses. If it weren't already obvious.

 

Then the next day when I was hanging out with my boyfriend, we stopped at another Macy's. This one has a MAC counter in it, so of course I had to pay it a visit (seeing as how the nearest MAC counter to my college is 30 minutes away). So I picked up my absolutely favorite: Techna Kohl liner in Graphblack. And after using it, I remembered why I love it so much! It's so rich and creamy. It doesn't take any pressure to create a dark line. And it stays! It doesn't change to being a gray color like the Physican's Forumla liner I'd been using for about the last five months. It's simply amazing!

By the way, how amazing is my boyfriend? He knew I wanted to visit the MAC counter so bad, and even though he despises makeup (especially MAC because he thinks it's too expensive), he led me to Macy's, and patiently waited as I swatched eyeshadows and blushes. He didn't even complain a bit! Seriously, I'm so lucky to have him. Plus, he surprised me with breakfast the next morning! Boyfriend of the year without a doubt.

What spring things are you tempted to buy? Do you notice yourself shopping more when the weather is nice?

 

 

January Lusts

Hey everyone!

With more time spent on Pinterest lately, and watching my favorite Youtubers and reading blogs, there are some things that I’ve definitely loving right now, all of which I wish I could get my hands on. With Christmas right behind us, and needing to buy books for the new semester here soon, it’s doubtful I’ll actually get my hands on anything of these. But a girl can dream? Right?

Anyway, here is the list of what I love right now:

NARS Deep Throat Blush

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This was featured in my November lusts post, and here I am, still lusting away. Part of it is that I haven’t been to Sephora in months. But most of it is because I just don’t want to spend the $28 on just a blush! Ugh! I keep telling myself that NARS Orgasm is working out for me, and it’s a color that many would die to try out too, so I should just be happy with that, but Deep Throat is still calling me. Maybe this month? (probably not) If you have a favorite natural MAC blush you love, please tell me! I'm always so tempted by MAC blushes, but when I swatched Pink Swoon and Fleur, they kinda scared me because they were so pigmented. So help me out here! 

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow

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So it wasn’t until recently that I started hearing about this eyeshadow, but now it seems to be absolutely everywhere. It looks like such a pretty shimmery color and I would love to add it to my collection! Only problem, it’s $18! That practically as much as the blush that I don’t want to spend so much on! We’ll see. Since Stila is sold at Ulta, they actually have coupons, so I might actually buy it with my $3.50 off coupon or something.

MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack

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This is another product that I talk about almost non-stop. This costs $15, which is a tad steep for eyeliner. But I am out of my Physcian’s Formula almost, so maybe that will be a good enough excuse to pick some of this up.

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer

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This is a new lust of mine. I’ve actually been using the Sephora Perfecting Primer for about the last 6 months, especially when I just use my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. And while it’s worked pretty well, I wanted to see if there is a difference between a high end primer and the Sephora one (which is pretty inexpensive when compared to other brands). I worry a little bit about if this will break me out or make me oily, but I do love Tarte and I would love to try a new primer.

Scarves

I can’t get enough of them! I would really love more infinity scarves (I’m so addicted to them right now). I would love to get a few knit ones, a gray, red, and black one, and this white one I spied at Pac Sun a few days after Christmas (which they probably don’t have any more).

Vera Bradley Double Zip Backpack in Island Blooms

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I recently checked out the Double Zip backpack in person and decided that after ranting about its smaller size, that it’s not too bad. However, if the Island Blooms Laptop Backpack ever is not sold out on line, I’d probably take that first.

Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings in Black
 

I’ve been wanting a skinny pair of black pants a lot recently, and I really want to check out these by Old Navy. I have a pair in the normal jean color and they are really good.

Chalkboard


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I’ve been seeing all these awesome huge chalkboards online, and I’ve decided that I need one. Well, need to build one. Only problem, how do I make my handwriting and drawing that good? This one from Littlebabygarvin makes me seriously want to have one! Plus, she is so artistic! I know my writing would never be that good!

MAC Studio Fix Powder

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So I'm pretty much obsessed with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. But sometimes, I wonder if I should try out this out because it offers a medium to full coverage. Only thing I'm kinda concerned about is looking cakey and breaking out. I don't usually have very sensitive skin, but I don't want to learn that this bothers me after spending $27.

Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm

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I saw these at Target in this big display, and I was totally drawn to them! I'm not a huge lip product person, but I feel like this type of style would be perfect for me! And the colors looked really gorgeous!

Covergirl Nail Polish

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This was also in the giant display at Target and these too were calling my name! The colors looked so lovely! The color above is Toasted Almond and it looks so pretty!
 

Review of Kirkland Makeup Brushes

Hey everyone!

Did you know that Costco’s brand Kirkland sells makeup brushes? Well, you probably do, because a lot of people talk about them. Recently on a trip to Costco, I came across these and couldn’t help myself. I’ve heard from a lot of different people that these makeup brushes are quite the steal, so I wanted to try them out for myself. Plus, the gold, champagne colored handles totally sold me too.
Here's a look at the packaging:

As you can see, it's a pretty big. By the way, I searched pretty much the entire building for it. I found it really close to the pharmacy, so it's probably in that area. I like that you can see what the brushes look like in the package (I always get the ones in the back because I think people mess with them less. I wonder if that actually works?).

Now we'll take a closer look at the individual brushes in the kit! There are 8 brushes total, plus a brush travel bag.

So first up is this powder brush. It's very large! I would say this brush would be fantastic with your are using something bronzer, since it's generous, fluffy, but not densely enough packed to make you look orange. I noticed a couple hairs shedding, but nothing obnoxious.

I was super excited about this duo fiber brush! I currently do not own a brush like this that can be used for wet or dry products. I have yet to use this, but I was very impressed with the density. I've heard complaints in the past that the Sigma version is too floppy to apply things like blush. But because this isn't too long, I feel like it would be a great job. I can see myself using this with blush, and maybe even if I try out a liquid foundation.

 Here is there large angled contour brush (very similar to my MAC 168 and my Sigma F40). First thing I noticed about this, is that it's kind of the middle ground between the 168 and the F40. The 168 has short bristles that are very dense! It makes applying color to my cheeks extremely easy and pigmented. The F40 is slightly harder to use because it's hair is much longer. It can be hard to sweep color because of the length (it just wants to bend over if that makes sense). The Kirkland brush on the other hand is a little in between. First, let me say, it packs color on fast! Using my NARS Orgasm, I was shocked that just 2 (yes two!!) sweeps of blush totally coated my cheeks! It's not as dense at the 168, but super soft and a lot easier to use than the F40.

Here is the usual flat foundation brush that is recommended to be used with liquid foundation. I have never used any brush like this, so I can't say for sure if this is a winner (I don't think a lot of people use this style any more for foundation, but I could be wrong! That's why I like powder...so much easier!). Here are the eye brushes that were included in the set.

On the top, if the crease brush. It's really precise and fine point. I didn't think it would be worth a hill of beans honestly. But, I tried it out with Snakebite from my Naked 2 palette and was surprised! It would be fantastic when you want to precisely apply a dark color to the outer V.

 

Next is the angled brush for defining eyebrows or eyeliner. On the end of that brush is a spoolie (is that what it's called?). I desperately needed this addition! I'm not sure if it's for eyebrows or eyelashes, but it has already saved me from a mascara mishap!

 

The third brush is a huge all over eye shader. It's huge. I really don't see a use for it for me personally, although they say it's one of the only synthetic brushes in the kit, so it could be used with like my MAC Paint Pot or something like that.

 

And last is the eye shader. At first I was super impressed, I didn't think it'd pack color very well. But it's been great! I love it a lot! No complaints! It does exactly what you want your eye shader to do: apply color evenly and quickly over a big surface area!

 

And finally, this is the pretty brush travel case it came with! I love it! It has the same champagne colored outside (like faux alligator) and a zipper around the edges.

On one side is has a pouch, perfect for my Covergirl Shimmering Sands or a few MAC single eyeshadows. And the otherside has places to put the brushes. Super helpful and great for traveling.

Overall, my thoughts on this set are pretty positive. Honestly, I don't think the brushes are remotely close to being MAC quality. But, the cost of this entire set when I bought it ($24.99) is the cost of one brush at MAC. But for the average makeup wearer, someone that wants brushes that are slightly better than ELF, these are fantastic. I would most definitely recommend them to anyone starting out with makeup and needs a set, or someone that wants an extra few brushes on hand.

 

Have you ever tried a Kirkland brand brush kit? What were your thoughts?